Signal, Missouri facts for kids

Signal was once a small town located in the northern part of Phelps County, Missouri, in the United States. Today, it is known as an extinct town or a ghost town, meaning that no one lives there anymore.

The Short History of Signal

Signal was a very small community that existed for only a short time. The most important building in Signal was its post office. A post office helps people send and receive letters and packages. It also often acts as a center for the community.

When Did Signal Exist?

The post office in Signal first opened its doors in 1903. However, it did not stay open for very long. It closed just two years later, in 1905. This short period of operation suggests that the town itself was likely very small and did not grow much.

What's in a Name?

One interesting fact about Signal is that no one knows why it was given that name. The reason behind "Signal" remains a mystery to this day. Many towns are named after people, local landmarks, or events, but Signal's name origin is still unknown.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that used to be a town or city but is now mostly empty. People have moved away, and most of the buildings are abandoned. This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, a town's main industry, like mining or farming, stops being profitable. Other times, new roads or railways bypass the town, making it less important. In the case of Signal, its very short history suggests it might not have had a strong reason for people to stay.